Orion STARSHOOT G3 - Manual (Page 11)

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If you have completed and saved
your astro-image and wish to export
it in a common JPEG or TIFF file
format, choose
Export from the File
menu. The Export window will appear
(Figure 21).
JPEG
Choose JPEG if you want a smaller
file size. JPEGs are saved in 8-bits of
depth only, so you should specify the
histogram stretch you want. Choosing
No Stretch in JPEG will not work
properly, since you will be throwing
away most of the dynamic range of the
image. Instead, adjust the histogram
until the image looks to your liking,
then choose
Use current histogram
stretch. This will save the JPEG
image to look exactly as it does no
your screen.
TIFF
TIFFs are saved in 16 bits and are a good choice to export your image to
Photoshop for additional image editing.
When you have made your selection for
Export, click Export and specify the file
name and folder destination, then click Save.
6. using the StarShoot G3 as an
autoguider
The StarShoot G3 also functions as a very high performance autoguider.
Use the included ASCOM drivers for the camera to operate it in any number of
ASCOM compatible programs. We recommend
PHD Guiding, which is freeware
and rated as one of the best autoguiding software programs available. Visit
www.stark-labs.com/downloads.html
We recommend setting the camera to
bin 2x2 when autoguiding, especially
for StarShoot G3 Color users. Using
the TEC will reduce the noise, but
is generally not a requirement for
autoguiding. You can save power and
leave the TEC off while autoguiding.
Connect a standard RJ-12 cable from
the G3’s autoguider relay port to the
ST-4 compatible autoguider port on
your equatorial mount (Figures 22.1
and 22.2). Connect the G3 to the USB
on you computer as you normally
would, and operate the camera with
an ASCOM compatible program like
PHD Guiding.
7. Optional
accessories
For the StarShoot G3 Monochrome
We recommend Orion 1.25" LRGB
imaging filters and a filter wheel to
capture high quality color images.
For the StarShoot G3 Color
An optional IR-blocking filter can be threaded to the G3 camera body to block
the IR. This can help sharpen your images, and is especially helpful when used
with some refractors which may allow more unfocused IR light to create color
halos around bright stars.
Both cameras can benefit from a USB extension cable, available from Orion.
We recommend a portable field battery to power the TEC.
Figure 22.1. The G3 works with any
mount equipped with an ST-4 compatible
autoguide port, shown here on the Sirius
EQ-G mount.
Figure 22.2. This is the pin diagram for
the G3 and ST-4 compatible mounts.
Auto guider port
Figure 21. Choose your file format and
export settings to export your image as a
TIFF or JPEG.